Each year, before flying to Florida, Mr. Pichosky made sure he took with him a phone list of the seniors he visited at Baycrest, calling each week to wish them a good Shabbat.

Ms. Wise was a former preschool vice-principal at Bialik Hebrew Day School. She was also a founding director of the Crestwood Valley Day Camp. “She was an inspiration to a generation of kids, an example to day-camp directors across Toronto,” the camp said in a statement, praising her “limitless energy, unwavering courage and … passion for children.”

In Florida, she volunteered at a Hebrew day school in Hallandale, helping children with learning problems. She was also an active member of Na’amat, the Jewish women’s organization.

“You couldn’t have found a nicer couple. You couldn’t,” Ms. Gladman said.

On Thursday, Ms. Gladman, who is also wintering in Hallandale Beach, had purchased a bottle of Scotch she intended to bring to a Shabbat dinner with Mr. Pichosky and Ms. Wise.

Late that afternoon, she got a call from Ms. Wise’s daughter.

“Have you seen my mom? … I can’t get her,” the daughter asked.

“I’m on my way,” replied Ms. Gladman, who lived across the road from her friends.

However, when she showed up, the police had already cordoned off the house so white-suited forensic technicians could examine the crime scene.

Some reports had described Venetian Park as a gated community, but Ms. Gladman said it wasn’t.

The neighbourhood, while surrounded by canals and waterways, is not closed off. It isn’t known to have a crime problem, she said.

Mr. Kimel said the couple “had no enemies. It has to be a random act, being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

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